Tanaka's next start slated for Saturday vs. Twins

TAMPA, Fla. -- Masahiro Tanaka has been scheduled to make his next spring start on Saturday against the Twins in Fort Myers, Fla., manager Joe Girardi announced.

Tanaka last started on Sunday against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., striking out six in a 4 1/3 innings outing.

The 25-year-old right-hander has allowed two runs in 9 1/3 innings (1.93 ERA) spanning three spring appearances (two starts). He has scattered seven hits and walked two batters, striking out 10.

Girardi said that while Tanaka makes the 2 1/2-hour trip to Fort Myers, right-hander Hiroki Kuroda will stay back in Tampa to pitch in a Minor League game.

Ellsbury remains on sidelines as Yanks host Sox

TAMPA, Fla. -- Jacoby Ellsbury was looking forward to getting reacquainted with some of his old Red Sox teammates on Tuesday, but as he guards a sore right calf, he was not able to have any of those conversations between the white lines.

Ellsbury was able to work out on Tuesday, hitting in the batting cages underneath George M. Steinbrenner Field, but manager Joe Girardi said that Ellsbury will not play in Grapefruit League games on Wednesday or Thursday.

Girardi also said that once Ellsbury reports that he feels ready to play, the Yankees will likely sit him for another day or two to be safe.

"We just want it 100 percent," Ellsbury said. "It's just one of those things that when I step on that field ... it'll be fine when I play in that game. That's how we want it."

Ellsbury was scratched from Sunday's lineup and had a full day of rest on Monday. Girardi said that he would need to see Ellsbury run without discomfort before entertaining the idea of putting him back in the lineup.

"I think everyone involved thinks that the best thing is to be cautious and make sure that it's healed," Girardi said. "We're not running him out there if he feels anything. We don't want to run him out there."

Ellsbury, who signed a seven-year, $153 million deal with New York in December, was pleased to see several familiar faces in the visiting dugout for Tuesday's game. Boston's travel roster for the game included Jackie Bradley Jr., Jonny Gomes, David Ross and starter Felix Doubront.

"I've always said, I enjoyed playing there," Ellsbury said. "I have a lot of memories; spent nine years in the organization. That's roughly a third of my life with one team. Definitely a lot of great memories, a lot of friends over there, and I'll still continue to have those relationships with guys down the road."

Ellsbury added that he has loosely been following the Red Sox center-field battle between Bradley and Grady Sizemore, determining Ellsbury's replacement. Ellsbury said that some of his former teammates have been calling him to provide updates.

"I think they're both going to do well," Ellsbury said. "I think they're both going to do great. I trained with Grady this last offseason, so I know Grady a little bit. Obviously I know Jackie pretty well and he has a bright future. I wish them the best."

No. 2 prospect Williams among latest round of cuts

TAMPA, Fla. -- Outfielder Mason Williams, the organization's No. 2 prospect according to MLB.com, was among a dozen players trimmed from the Yankees' Spring Training roster before Tuesday's game against the Red Sox.

Outfielder Ramon Flores was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while all of the other players were assigned to Minor League camp.

That group included pitchers Bruce Billings, Robert Coello, Brian Gordon and Chase Whitley; catchers Francisco Arcia and Pete O'Brien; infielders Corban Joseph and Jose Pirela; and Tyler Austin and Williams, both outfielders.

The Yankees have 47 players remaining in camp.

Bombers bits

• Infielder Brendan Ryan (oblique) is scheduled to return to action on Thursday against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Fla. Ryan has been limited to just eight spring at-bats by the injury.

• Catcher Francisco Cervelli went 2-for-3 with a triple on Tuesday against the Red Sox, raising his average to .500 in 28 Grapefruit League at-bats.

"I feel good. I think the more I play, I feel better," Cervelli said. "They'll decide what they want to do. I just come here every day to play. I show up, I get my bat, I get my equipment and that's it."

• First baseman Mark Teixeira had a two-run single on Tuesday and continues to be encouraged by the strength of his surgically repaired right wrist.

"I feel like it's getting stronger, and it will continue getting stronger all year," Teixeira said. "And that's the exciting part: it's not like this is as good as it's going to get. It'll keep getting stronger all year."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.